“A broader definition of healthcare,” by Kim Geiger and Tom Hamburger appearing in the Los Angeles Times Sunday, discusses the inclusion of CAM therapies in healthcare legislation now being debated in the senate.
The article references chiropractic specifically and quotes John Falardeau, the Washington lobbyist for the American Chiropractic Association.
Main points
- “The legislation would allow doctors to incorporate alternative health providers in some treatment plans.”
- “Includes language that some believe could require insurance companies to expand their coverage for alternative therapies”
- “The provision that has provoked the most concern among insurance companies and doctors says that insurers “shall not discriminate” against any healthcare provider who is licensed by the state.”
- “Insurance industry officials say it could mean that if they cover a physician’s treatments for back pain, for example, they must also cover treatment by any other state-licensed health provider or risk a legal challenge.”
- “During the first half of 2009, chiropractors, supplement makers and other advocates for alternative therapies spent nearly $870,000 lobbying lawmakers, according to data compiled by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonpartisan research group.”
- “Chiropractors have donated more money to Sen. Tom Harkin — more than $150,000 during his career — than to any other member of Congress, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.”
Technorati Tag: YRWVEJQ3564U
